The Oilers Ladies had a ‘souper’ time chopping ingredients, cooking soup and serving hope while supporting Soup Sisters and Edmonton’s Women’s Shelter (WIN House). The ladies and Oilers front office staff joined forces to prepare a comforting menu including Broccoli Cheddar, Roasted Tomato, Turkey & Wild Rice, Corn Chowder and Chicken Noodle. In only a few hours, over 300 servings of soup were ready for WIN House which operates two shelters right here in the city. A warm bowl of soup might seem like a small gesture, but it will have a huge impact on over 360 women and 400 children that WIN House shelters annually.

“When our clients first arrive at the shelter they often feel lost, fearful and abandoned. This outreach by the Oilers Ladies and Oilers staff is a clear indication to our clients that they are not alone and that people do care,” said Lance Beswick, Board of Directors Member, WIN House. “More than 750 women and children stay in WIN House every year and at any one time there could be 70 mothers and children who enjoy their soup. We really appreciate Soup Sisters and the wonderful volunteers such as the Oilers Ladies who make this possible.”

Soup Sisters is celebrating its third anniversary in Edmonton and the Oilers Ladies have been behind this cause since the very beginning. Its philosophy is simple; organized by local volunteers, each Soup Sisters/Broth Brothers event features individuals or groups who make large quantities of soup under the guidance of a local chef. The soup is then packaged and delivered to both WIN House and Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS). In only three years, Soup Sisters has prepared over 21,000 bowls of soup – or as they call it, a ‘hug in a bowl’ to deserving women and children across the city.

Beyond the usual kitchen prep, the Oilers Ladies were also busy labelling the soup’s ingredients and including their names as an added personal touch to remind the recipients that people do care. For Ben Scrivens’ wife Jenny, the true spirit of Soup Sisters really resonated with her during her first experience volunteering in Oil Country.

“It really reminds you just how fortunate some us are to have families and a solid support network to come home to. It’s startling to know that there are women and children dealing with domestic problems of great magnitude right here where we live too,” said Jenny Scrivens. “As women, I think it really reaches us on a whole new level and so anything we can do both as a woman and as a community member to help WIN House, we’ll do. Their well-being is incredibly important to the Oilers Ladies.”

The sisterhood mentality is a strong message of Soup Sisters whose aim is to warm the mind, body and soul with every bowl of soup.

“It’s absolute comfort food and often it’s all that the women or children are able to eat in a situation like this as sometimes there are injuries. It’s comforting, reassuring and warm,” said Carol Knott, Edmonton Coordinator, Soup Sisters. “We’re always thrilled to have the Oilers Ladies with us for this event and the message it sends to the women and children of WIN House is incredibly positive.”

While all participants paid special attention to the soups’ basic ingredients and preparation guides, the Oilers Ladies made sure to double up on the most important ingredient of all, heart.

Booked through 2014 and with some 2015 dates already filled, if you’re interested in volunteering with Soup Sisters, you’re encouraged to visit soupsisters.org.

Established in 2001, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) continues the Oilers legacy of giving back by contributing its unique resources and financial support to charitable organizations that serve the communities of Northern Alberta. Led by a dedicated community Board of Directors, the EOCF has developed a number of programs and partnerships that target those who need it most.

The EOCF raises its funds through a variety of fundraising initiatives that take place during Oilers home games and the generous contributions of Oilers fans and friends.

The Foundation gives back in excess of $1.3 million annually to charitable organizations registered with Revenue Canada whose programs support education and health and wellness for youth throughout Oil Country.